Awful decision or deserved red? Sadio Mane's controversial sending off sparks massive reaction
Liverpool were beaten 5-0 by Man City at the Ethiad today, with the game turning on a key moment late in the first half that saw Sadio Mane sent off.
The star Liverpool attacker saw red towards the end of the opening 45 minutes after a collision with Man City goalkeeper Ederson.
Mane - who had scored in each of Liverpool's first three Premier League matches - caught the shot-stopper with a high foot when chasing a long ball, and was shown a red card by referee Jonathan Moss.
Gary Neville, speaking on Sky commentary, disagreed with the decision, stating that Mane's eyes were firmly fixed on the ball, while Gary Lineker tweeted that it was a 'rubbish decision'.
However, many others voiced the opinion that Mane's contact - while accidental - was also reckless and deserved a red card, with Jamie Carragher expressing that view on Sky at half time.
It proved a highly polarising moment during today's first Premier League encounter.
Rubbish decision to send off Mané. Rubbish.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 9, 2017
Strict liability. Intent is NOT relevant. pic.twitter.com/RRYluVj7Dz
— Raphael Honigstein (@honigstein) September 9, 2017
Are we really arguing this from Mane?! #MCFCvLFC #EPL pic.twitter.com/noxYppMTji
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) September 9, 2017
Got no argument with Mane red. Foot high and reckless. Neville going on about 'eyes on the ball.' No peripheral vision in football, then?
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvans92a) September 9, 2017
Red card for me - good decision Jon Moss
— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) September 9, 2017
Wow wow Jon moss , never ever a red card
— Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) September 9, 2017
The game has gone
— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) September 9, 2017